GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., June 10, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- New York Times best-selling author and journalist Lorilee Craker was just like the rest of us - feeling the pinch from the financial fallout of 2008. As a freelancer, her income was going the way of the dodo-family dollars seemed like an extinct myth, the bank account some archeological evidence of past prosperity.

But the Amish? They emerged from the economic crisis unscathed -and it was then that she realized it was time to learn a thing or two about their time-tested approach to personal finances. While the middle-class was wringing its hands over the family budget and the wealthy were weeping over their slashed portfolios, the Amish were content as always, spared from the cares of the world and worldliness. They not only had financial health to support their lives, they exuded a wholeness that eludes so many when the financial bottom drops out.

"In 2008, when venerable banks were failing, Bill's HomeTowne Heritage Bank-whose client base is 95% Amish-had its best year ever. I figured they had a lot to teach the rest of us!

"Implementing the Amish principles of 'generous frugality' by spending less and saving more, we can do more with our money while living a lifestyle extravagant in peace, sharing, family, and community closeness. Wall Street drove all our financial buggies off the road. It's my hope that by using these tips people can get hitched up and on the right road again," adds Craker.